Unity Raceway track manager arrested

UNITY, Maine — The manager of the stock car track Unity Raceway was arrested Sunday night after a conflict with one of the drivers.

Jeff Trafton, chief deputy of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Department, said Monday that George Fernald, 48, of Benton confronted one of the drivers after a race. Fernald apparently was angry about the driver’s actions on the track, which may have resulted in damage to another car.

According to Deputy Dan Thompson’s report, the driver, Timothy Turner, 45, of Freedom, was dismissive of Fernald’s complaints. Fernald then grabbed the side of Turner’s neck and tried to get his other hand on the man, but was restrained by others.

The assault was minor, Trafton said, and would come under the category of “offensive physical contact,” netting Fernald a summons only. But when Fernald refused to sign the summons unless the other man also was written a summons, Trafton said, the deputy warned then arrested Fernald. Fernald was charged with assault and failing to sign the summons.